Iron-graphene based anode material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries decorated by gold nanoparticles recovered from gold plated waste surgical tools

Abstract

A large amount of gold (Au) can be recycled from waste surgical tools, e.g., gold plated scissors, due to its rising demand and offers manufacturers an innovative opportunity from differentiation to the new and valuable product. In this research, we fabricated and designed an efficient method of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) incorporated with iron/graphene oxide (Fe2O3/GO) anode for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Au nanoparticles were obtained by recycling waste surgical scissors whereas, Fe2O3/GO has been synthesized by mechanical alloying in a high-energy ball mill. The structure of the Au-Fe2O3/GO nanocomposite anode material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The electrochemical performance was determined at a constant current rate using a coin-type cell. The experimental results showed that the composite has a stable reversible capacity of about ∼980 mAh g−1 and was maintained for >200 cycles. The remarkable performance and improved lithiation/delithiation reactions were was contributed by highly dispersed spherical-shaped Au nanoparticles in the Fe2O3/GO matrix.